The House of Representatives continued its legislative business on Thursday, adopting motions on disaster response, electoral representation, youth development, and environmental management, while advancing legislative proposals and recording changes in party affiliation among Members.
At the sitting presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, the House adopted a motion on the need to clear blocked waterways and sewage systems within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Concerned about the environmental and public health risks posed by blocked drainage infrastructure, Members urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to implement a comprehensive sewage evacuation and drainage maintenance plan, while engaging relevant experts to develop sustainable solutions to recurring sewage and drainage challenges across the Territory.
In another resolution, the House addressed the persistent rejection of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members by government offices across the country. Members expressed concern that many corps members are denied opportunities to gain valuable work experience and contribute meaningfully during their service year. The House therefore urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the National Assembly, to desist from rejecting corps members and instead integrate them into productive work schedules and the economic value chain.
The House also adopted a motion seeking the restoration of the Orolu State Constituency in Osun State, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to comply with the judgment of the Federal High Court and restore the constituency in accordance with Sections 91 and 112 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
As a Matter of Urgent Public Importance, the House adopted a motion sponsored by Rep. Dalyop Chollom Fom on the devastating rainstorm disaster that struck Tom-Gangare in Sopp Ward of Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency of Plateau State. Concerned about the plight of affected residents, particularly women, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups, Members urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately deploy relief materials, including temporary shelter, food, clothing, and medical supplies, while mandating the Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness to ensure compliance.
In the course of legislative proceedings, the House passed a Bill to establish the Federal University of Technology, Babura, Jigawa State, aimed at expanding access to specialised university education and advancing technological development.
The House also advanced four Bills at Second Reading, including measures relating to the Federal College of Education, Bende; the establishment of Federal Medical Centres in Item, Bende, Abia State, and Iyamho, Edo State; as well as an amendment to the South-South Development Commission Act to provide additional funding for the Commission. The Bills were subsequently referred to the relevant Committees for further legislative consideration.
Members further introduced fifteen new Bills for First Reading, expanding the legislative agenda of the Green Chamber.
The House also recorded changes in party affiliation among Members. Five lawmakers announced new partisan alignments, with four Members defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied People’s Movement (APM). The Social Democratic Party (SDP) also gained a seat following the defection of Rep. Jeremiah Umaru (Nasarawa State) from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Through these resolutions, legislative actions, and parliamentary developments, the House reaffirmed its commitment to responsive representation, humanitarian intervention, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, electoral justice, and legislation aimed at addressing pressing national needs and improving the lives of Nigerians.
